Tom Shypitka, MLA

About

Tom Shypitka is a man of many hats. Not only is he your MLA, but Tom is also a volunteer, a husband, a father, an outdoor enthusiast, a sports coach and a former financial advisor. In 2017, he was elected MLA for Kootenay East, and he currently serves as the Official Opposition for Energy and Mines.

Tom’s latter role involves keeping the government accountable to the task of enhancing and

streamlining processes that help to ensure mining and energy, including alternative energy, remain key economic drivers of the B.C. economy. Believing that a true balance between the environment and the economy can be obtained, he’s for industry and the people employed by it.

Ironically, politics weren’t Tom’s first pick. Born and raised in Cranbrook, B.C., Tom’s early aspirations directed him toward a career in finance. To support himself through college, Tom took on a summer job at Teck Coal’s Line Creek operation in the Elk Valley. He later started DJing at parties and eventually became the owner of a night club.

Tom finished his education through College of the Rockies, but in the 11 years that ensued, he owned several night clubs and pubs in Cranbrook, including Finnegan’s on Ice at Western Financial Place and Jughead’s Nite Club. Eventually, Tom circled back to the financial industry and enjoyed a successful career at SunLife Financial.

Over the years, Tom found himself a director on various committees, including the Regional District of East Kootenay board, the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District board and the Central East Kootenay Community Directed Funds Committee.